Yard Services

Dodson Boatyard is a full-service working boatyard providing mechanical, electronic, refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, rigging, fiberglass, painting, varnishing and spray painting (Awlgrip) services. In addition to these services we also provide on site sail and canvas repair.

Our equipment and utilities include the following:

82 Ton Travelift (11’ draft)

45 Ton Brownell Hydraulic Trailer

15 Ton Travelift Forklift

115' 5 Ton Capacity Spar Crane

75 Vessel Outdoor Storage

135 Vessel Indoor Heated Storage

Indoor Storage For All Spars and Rigging

25 & 35 Ton Brownell Air Ride, Hydraulic Over The Road Trailer

30 ft High Speed SafeBoat Service Vessel

Sail and Canvas repair

Maintenance, Repairs & Refits

Dodson Boatyard employs approximately 35 full time technicians including NEMA/Raymarine certified technicians, ABYC certified mechanics and riggers. We also have carpenters, fiberglass specialists, varnish application, brush and Awlgrip spray painters, sail and canvas repair. Stainless steel fabrication services are also available. We specialize in complete keel to masthead maintenance of our mooring and storage boats, but frequently carry out extensive refit and repair projects as well. Our complete maintenance program begins with thorough systems inspections at fall haul-out followed by written recommendations to owners. Through regular communications with owners DBY strives to prepare each boat for a trouble-free season by the time of their spring launch. Dodson Boatyard and Stonington Harbor are also popular summer cruising destinations for yachts and yacht club cruises with in excess to over 1,100+ transient boats visiting our facilities each summer. Of course, DBY staff makes every effort to assist our guests with repairs necessary to minimize any interruption in their cruising schedule.

Winter Storage

Dodson Boatyard offers both indoor and outdoor storage. Indoor facilities are offered in our sheds in Stonington as well as at our facilities in Hopkinton, RI. The sheds are heated, well lit, insulated and humidity controlled. They provide excellent, controlled work environments. Transportation to and from the RI sheds is provided at no additional charge by the Yard’s own hydraulic, air ride, over the road trailers. All sailboat spars and rigging are stored indoors, either for indoor or outdoor storage boats. There are additional dedicated storage areas for cushions, outboards, dinghies and other miscellaneous gear. Finally, DBY prides itself on it's thorough and detailed approach to the process of decommissioning and our ability to identify the maintenance and repair needs for each individual vessel we have the opportunity to service.

Pump-outs

A holding tank pump-out station is located on our main dock. Contact the dockmaster to coordinate services. A mobile pumpout boat is available by hailing the Westerly pump-out boat.

Quick Response Mobile Repair Service

In the unfortunate circumstance that you may ever find your vessel disabled during the season, Dodson Boatyard will make every effort to respond as quickly as we can in order to minimize any significant disruption in your cruising schedule. We are equipped to do so by land, by sea and through electronic communication. The Yard maintains a 30' high speed, military grade, SafeBoat that allows us to service boats that otherwise may not be easily reached. Indeed, we can reach Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Sag Harbor or Shelter Island (among other locations) much more quickly than via any automobile. Our open water transport allows an advanced, high speed and minimization of time for precarious circumstances. In addition, we also travel by automobile to further destinations. We are always available via phone (smart or otherwise) or email. It is our policy and goal to respond quickly and get you back out there.

Metal Fabrication

Whether for repair or new custom fabrication Dodson Boatyard is proud of our long term cooperation with Mystic Stainless of Mystic, CT for servicing the needs of our customers. Typical projects include pulpits, rails, davits, towers or simple welding repairs, among other yacht based needs.

Located on site is an affiliate office of East Coast Yacht Sales (ECYS). ESCYS operates offices in RI, MA and ME as well. DBY is also pleased to welcome other brokerage services and cooperates fully with them per the preference of each owner.

DBY owns and operates its own two 35 ton, quadruple air ride suspension, hydraulic trailers used for transporting its own storage boats to our off-site facility in Hopkinton, RI. We also offer both local and long distance trucking to non-DBY clients as well. Competitive rates and exceptional, knowledgeable handling of both power and sail yachts distinguish our service. Inquiries are invited.

30' Military Grade SafeBoat

Boatyard On Site Amenities

Laundromat, open 24 hours per day.

Plan to stop in the Lending Library in the Laundry Room. It's a good place to get a new book or two for the rest of your cruise.

Ice, Water & Fuel, available at the Main Dock. Your launch driver will deliver ice if you ask.

Private heads and showers. Open 24 hours per day.

Convenient long term parking.

Moorings & Launch Services

110 moorings, both seasonal and transient.

Two Coast Guard certified Dyer 29' launches.

Launch service operating between the hours of 7:30 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Friday & weekends.